Snorkelling in Bali

Discover the fascinating world of snorkelling in coral reefs. What types of fish can you see? Where are the corals found? And where will you stay when not in the ocean? Discover unique places with interesting sea habitats, even a shipwreck.

Are you new to snorkelling? No worries! There is a professional snorkelling guide with you to make sure you have a great experience and feel confident throughout.

1. Blue Lagoon Padang Bali

If you want to go snorkelling in Bali, it’s a good idea to get comfortable in the water first before starting a full day’s tour. Finding a peaceful beach with lots of fish and other sea creatures is a wonderful place to begin your trip. Padang Bali, located on the east coast, is an excellent place to stay if you’re planning to travel to or from the Lombok and Gili islands. This town near a port has many good hotels, many of which are close to Blue Lagoon Beach. It’s a perfect place for families and people who are new to snorkelling because the water is calm, and the coral reef is near the beach.

The sands here offer a nice place to relax at any time, but if you want to make the most of your snorkelling session, go in the morning. This happens when there are fewer people around, and the seas are usually very peaceful. In the afternoon, the waves can become rough, and it may be difficult to see underwater. It also increases the likelihood of getting injured when pushed into the coral. Some people who enjoy adventure may want to try night snorkelling. During this tour, guides will help you explore the amazing nocturnal animals that live among the plants in the sea.

Virgin Beach, located close to the coast, is a beautiful place to go snorkelling directly from the beach. Also called a secret beach, it has recently become more well-liked. However, travellers can still come here in the morning to snorkel before the others arrive.

Details

💸Average price: US $20

📍Location: Jl. Pengubengan Kauh No.167, Kerobokan Kelod, Kec. Kuta Utara, Bali 80361

💻Operator: Bali Dream Trip

✍🏽Booking: http://www.balidreamtrips.com/

☎️Phone number: (0361) 734977

2. Tulamben Beach

This is when the excitement starts. Now that you are comfortable in the water, you can try many more exciting snorkelling experiences in Bali. Tulamben Beach is at a location that is one hour away from Padang Bai by car, and it is in the direction of Lombok. The many different types of marine creatures in the bay, like the rare hammerhead and whale shark, attract a lot of snorkellers and scuba divers. Snorkelers can easily reach the Coral Gardens from the beach, allowing them to see a fascinating variety of animals and plants underwater. But wait, there’s more.

A lot of people are interested in and attracted to the enchantment and riddle of a sunken ship. In Tulamben, the USAT Liberty shipwreck has become a special place for travellers to visit. The boat went down in the water near the shore in 1963 and has since become a place where many fish and types of coral live.

The wreck is underwater, about 30 metres deep. However, its highest point is only about five metres below the surface. On a nice, peaceful day, the clear water allows us to see very far below. Hence, his place is really good for snorkelling. It’s also a popular diving spot, so the fishermen have agreed not to fish here, making sure that everything is safe in its surroundings.

It is pretty safe for both people and creatures in the ocean. For anyone worried about aggressive sharks lurking nearby, there is no need to be scared. The shark is not considered to be one of the most dangerous animals in Bali. However, you should be careful of the stone fish instead.

Details

💸Average price: US $20–$25

📍Location: Tulamben, Kubu, Karangasem Regency, Bali 80852

💻Operator: Tulamben Dive & Snorkelling Bali

✍🏽Booking: https://tulambendive.com/

☎️Phone number: (081) 915699681

3. Menjangan Island

This deer island, 5 miles from the North-East of Bali, has a hidden paradise. On this side of the Indonesian archipelago, you can go snorkeling in almost any season! On top of that, you will also find a coral garden flush with reef sharks and thousands of other fishes.

Don’t worry, though: the island’s attractions don’t end with a snorkelling experience. On the island, you can visit an old Ganesha temple, Pura Gili Kencana. It also goes without saying that the food in this fishing village has something for everyone.

Details

💸Average price: US $20–$25

📍Location: Jl. Banyuwedang, Pejarakan, Kec. Gerokgak, Bali 81155

💻Operator: Menjangan Tour Snorkeling & Diving

✍🏽Booking: http://www.menjangantours.com/

☎️Phone number: (081) 999440024

4. Manta Bay Nusa Penida

Okay, so the waters of Manta Bay are not fully in Bali, but it’s only a short distance away across the strait and a quick trip on one of the regular ferries from Sanur. Nusa Penida is a special island in Bali, along with Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. It has a famous viewpoint called Kelingking Beach, also known as T-Rex Rock.

Perhaps the breathtaking beauty of Penida’s nature doesn’t captivate you, but swimming with one of the world’s most fascinating sea creatures may alter your perspective. Because of the strong currents around Nusa Penida, there are many manta rays all year long, and you can see lots of them at Manta Bay in the northwest of the island.

The manta rays come together in shallow areas of water and do not harm people. They are creatures that feed by filtering tiny plants from the water. Watching these animals in their natural home is an amazing experience that ocean lovers should not miss. They are graceful and impressive creatures.

Details

💸Average price: US $25

📍Location: Ped, Nusa Penida, Klungkung Regency, Bali 80771

💻Operator: Legen Diving Penida

✍🏽Booking: https://penidadivecenter.com/

☎️Phone number: (0858) 57861936

5. Amed

Many may overlook Amed as a snorkelling spot due to its black sands, but this hidden gem on Bali’s northeastern coast is one of the finest locations to delve into the marine beauty underneath. The reefs near the Isle of the Gods are very healthy compared to others. When you go diving there, you can see volcanic rocks and even sunken ships.

The coral area at Amed Beach in front of the Kembali Sun Beach Bungalows is the most popular place to go to enjoy the water. It doesn’t have the most colourful coral displays but is a popular spot for sea turtles. You can often see them eating in the shallow water in the morning. Also, you can go a little bit farther north to Jemuluk Bay, which is one of the best places for sunbathing and snorkelling in Indonesia because there is a temple under the water.

Lipah Beach and Bunatan Reef are two more great places for snorkeling in Amed. In this town, there are always options for tropical exploring. There is even a wreck of a Japanese ship that snorkellers can explore. The ship is covered in seaweed, urchins and other sea life you cannot miss.

Details

💸Average price: US $20

📍Location: Jl. Raya Amed, Bunutan, Kec. Abang, Bali 80852

💻Operator: Amed Snorkelling Trip

✍🏽Booking: https://www.amedsnorkelingtrip.id/

☎️Phone number: (081) 529826344

Expert Opinion

I have been living in Bali for ten years. One of the reasons I moved to Bali is because I love swimming at the beach. Bali has everything that a swimmer would wish for! My favourite relaxation in water activities is snorkelling. Even during the pandemic, snorkelling is still the best option for a vacation and small getaway. So, here are my three best selections for the best snorkelling spot in Bali:

Amed, Padang Bali, Nusa Penida

The reason why I choose these as the best is because the underwater scenery is perfect for any level of swimmer. The sea creatures, coral, mantas, and even the baby sharks! It just feels like you are swimming in a large swimming pool but with the best of sealife to witness. And to me, the beach scenery is the best to enjoy too after you finish snorkelling. You can always get lunch at the nice cafénearby or just chill under the palm trees.

If you plan to have your holiday in Bali and you love snorkelling, the options on the list might suit you best! Enjoy Bali!